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Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Cases Reported In Texas

yearlings-runningQHN File PhotoThe Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) recently received confirmation from the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) of Texas horses testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The infected horses are located in the counties of Newton, Orange, Liberty, Jasper and Jefferson. As of July 30, there are a total of five positive EEE cases in Texas.

The TAHC officials remind equine owners to consult with their private veterinary practitioner regarding vaccinating their horses against mosquito-borne illnesses such as EEE, Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE), and West Nile Virus.

EEE is a mosquito-borne viral disease of all equine species. Infected horses may suddenly die or show progressive central nervous system disorders. Symptoms may include unsteadiness, erratic behavior and a marked loss of coordination. The death rate for animals infected with EEE is 75-100 percent.

WEE is a viral disease that mainly affects horses; mosquitoes primarily transmit this disease. Similar to EEE, WEE is characterized by central nervous system dysfunction. About 20-50 percent of horses infected with WEE die.

VEE is a viral disease that affects horses and causes illness in humans. It has not been seen in the United States for many years, however, a recent outbreak of VEE did occur in Mexico. Mosquitoes most often transmit the disease after the insects have acquired the virus from birds and rodents. Humans also are susceptible when bitten by an infected mosquito, but direct horse-to-horse or horse-to-human transmission is very rare. Symptoms in horses vary widely, but all result from the degeneration of the brain. Early signs include fever, depression and appetite loss. The mortality rate for VEE is 40-80 percent.

“Vaccines are available for neurologic diseases such as EEE and WEE. As part of routine equine health care, we strongly recommend that equine owners consult with their local veterinarian to discuss an appropriate vaccination program to protect their horses against mosquito-borne diseases such as these,” said TAHC Assistant Executive Director Dr. Andy Schwartz.

For more information on mosquito borne diseases visit the AAEP’s website.

For TVMDL’s website for more information on equine neurologic disease testing or call 888-646-5623.